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Tag: Saraki

  • Why Buhari must sign constitution amendment, by Saraki, Dogara

    Why Buhari must sign constitution amendment, by Saraki, Dogara

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said on Thursday the extensive consultation with Nigerians which gave rise to the alteration of sections of the 1999 Constitution has made it mandatory for President Muhammadu Buhari to endorse the amendments.

    Saraki and Dogara spoke while receiving report of the voting pattern by State Houses of Assembly on the constitution amendment.

    Dogara specifically said President Buhari may have no choice but to assent to the constitution amendments as demanded by Nigerians.

    Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Abdulmumini Kamba, who presented volumes of the report to Saraki and Dogara, noted that most State Assemblies were not happy that the Bill on devolution of powers failed to sail through at the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    Kamba, who is also the Speaker of Kebbi State House of Assembly, pleaded with the National Assembly to reconsider its stand on devolution of powers in the interest of the country.

    He said: “During the amendment exercise, some called it devolution of powers, others called it restructuring. Nigerians are not alone in the call for the restructuring of the country. Lawmakers are also clamouring for the same thing.

    “We want to plead that the bill on the devolution of powers be reconsidered and should form part of the next constitution amendment exercise. This is in line with the yearnings of the people.”

    Dogara said: “I have always said that governments all over the world lay claim to being democratic. There is no government out there that can truly be democratic if it does not have a fiercely independent legislature. That has been the major challenge in Nigeria. With the courage I have seen demonstrated in State Assemblies, it is an indication of the promise that awaits us.

    Saraki added that when the National Assembly promised to conclude work on the amendment of the Constitution, they were not sure.

    He said: “When we made this promise at the beginning of the 8th Senate, we were not sure. We have achieved a lot. There are other areas like the devolution of powers. We have set up a joint committee from the Senate and the House of Representatives to work on areas of differences. In the next few days, we will get back to work.”

     

  • Why I didn’t attend APC meetings – Saraki

    Why I didn’t attend APC meetings – Saraki

    The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has explained why he did not attend Monday’s National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tuesday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja.

    Saraki said in a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, that he was in Benin, Edo State, for a Roundtable meeting on Migration and Human Trafficking, one of the intervention initiatives organised by the Senate.

    “Dr. Saraki and his delegation, including Senators, returned to his Abuja home at 7.45 p.m., while the APC National Caucus meeting was scheduled to begin by 8.00 p.m. on the same night.

    “Clearly, there was no way he could have arrived at the venue on time, especially as it would be a breach of protocol to do so at a meeting presided over by the President,” the statement said.

    It added that Saraki could not attend the NEC meeting because he was at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in continuation of his trial for false assets declaration.

    “Dr. Saraki must be physically present at the Tribunal as the defendant. It stands to reason that he cannot be in two places at once, and so he was unavoidably absent at the NEC meeting.

    “Let me also state clearly here that Dr. Saraki is not one to sneak into a room via the window. He would rather enter through the front door so that his entry is well noted and acknowledged.

    “Nigerians know that when he joined the APC, he did not sneak in. Therefore, no one should attach any mischievous or inaccurate interpretation to his absence at the two meetings held at times when his whereabouts were a matter of public record.

    “Sponsors of misinformation as to why Dr. Saraki was not present at the Caucus and NEC meetings should be clear that there is no special reason behind the absence.

    “The Senate President is not a coward. When he left the PDP in 2014, he was bold enough to inform the then President of his decision and left openly with his supporters. He therefore has no reason to be sneaking or hiding now.

    “It is incontrovertible that he is a leader, major stakeholder and founding father of the APC. Nothing has changed with regard to all these. I hope this clarification will halt the speculations, misinformation, misinterpretation, mischief and fake news about the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of his absence at the APC National Caucus and NEC meetings.

    “I appreciate the fact that the nation is gradually inching towards the electioneering period and permutations will be rife. I plead with analysts, commentators and forecasters to always get their facts right and not impute frivolous meanings to otherwise innocent events and occurrences,” the statement added.

  • Passage of Audit Services Bill will boost fight against corruption – Saraki

    Passage of Audit Services Bill will boost fight against corruption – Saraki

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Thursday the passage of the Federal Audit Services Bill by the National Assembly would further boost the fight against corruption when signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Saraki made the remarks after the adoption of the conference report on the Bill by the Senate.

    He said the law would ensure independence for the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and grant it unfettered access to books of agencies and parastatals.

    He said: “Today is a landmark achievement in the fight against corruption. This law will bring accountability and probity in the finances of the government and the fight against corruption.

    “I must commend all the members of the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This will go a long way in ensuring the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General and will ensure that the Auditor-General has access to different parastatals and agencies.

    “We truly have to block all the various leakages. We have to ensure that we get this to Mr. President to get his assent.

    “We have gone a long way in this administration in our fight against corruption, and it is commendable that the National Assembly members are the sponsors and movers of this very important Bill, which we can see has been outdated for many years. We will continue to play our part in this fight against corruption for the sake our country.”

     

    Functions of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation as created by the Bill include:

    • Expressing an opinion on whether the financial statement prepared by the government of the federation fairly represents or otherwise the financial position and results of operation.
    • Carrying out audit, except when the Constitution provides otherwise, of all revenues accruing to the Federation and all expenditures of the Federation from all sources.
    • Carrying out audit, except otherwise provided by the Constitution, of donations, grants and loans accruable to the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies or other public entities.
    • Carrying out performance audit by ensuring that Federal Government and its agencies business is economically, efficiently and effectively performed.
    • Carrying out audit on classified expenditure.
    • Carrying out forensic audits.
    • Carrying out audit of international institutions to the extent of Nigeria’s contribution to such bodies.

     

     

  • Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau and the European Union have thrown their weight behind the Edo State government’s efforts at combating the scourge of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    At a Senate Round-table on Migration and Human Trafficking held in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, on Monday, Saraki commended the effort of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in the fight against the menace.

    He said that the effort by the Edo State Government was the beginning of many steps to be taken in halting illegal migration.

    He canvassed for renewed efforts in stemming the tide, noting that it was regrettable that youths save funds to leave the country and, in the process, fall prey to predators that sell them as slaves.

    Saraki urged stakeholders to join forces to fight the menace, noting, “The government has been doing its best to liberate Nigerians from slave trade in Libya, as many lives have been lost in the cause of irregular migration. The time is apt to end the scourge.”

    Noting that the summit is expected to provide direction on how to improve collaborations to tackle human trafficking, he said that some of the resolutions will lead to improved legislation, funding to agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and accelerating pending treaties.

    In his address, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking has become critical, noting that its magnitude wasn’t fully grasped before.

    Obaseki said the Edo government considered the menace at variance to the culture and value of the people, which led to the establishment of the taskforce to handle the issue.

    He added that the taskforce has “worked assiduously to achieve its objectives, as it has coordinated the receipt and reintegration of returnees, led the prosecution of offenders, and managed public perception to tackle stigmatisation.

    “Edo State Government under my watch considers modern day slavery, a practice that is at variance with our rich cultures and values.”

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, expressed concern over the trend, noting that it was unpalatable for youths to risk their lives across difficult terrains to Europe.

    The European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, said it has recorded no fewer than 10,000 cases of irregular migration within the last two months.

    Karlsen said that EU’s illegal migration registration of the 10,000 took place in 2018, as the records were taken between January and February.

    He said that in 2017, EU registered about 187,000 cases, while number of deaths registered so far was 411, as against 116 reordered in 2017.

    He said that of the figure, Nigeria accounts for about 60 percent, adding that in view of this, there was need to correct the worrisome error.

    “What should be of worry and concern was the irregular migration and the conditions the victims were being migrated. We should also look at the causes for such migration,” he said.

  • Saraki hails 25 state assemblies over passage of constitution review

    Saraki hails 25 state assemblies over passage of constitution review

    Senate President Bukola Saraki is excited that 25 of the 36 states voted on amendments to the constitution that were passed by the National Assembly in July 2017.

    Saraki yesterday took to his social media accounts to stated that the passage of the amendments by the state assembles was a testament to the fact that with the right vision and follow-through, the country can achieve a lot as a nation.

    He was also quoted as saying that the process was a pointer that politicians from various walks of life and various parties can still come together to get things done.

    Saraki’s comments, reproduced by his media office yesterday read: “I am excited about the news that 25 out of 36 state have voted on the #Constitution Review amendments that the 8th National Assembly passed in 2017.

    “In 2015, when we first started the ambitious process to review the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we never could have imagined the level of support and participation that we would get from all of you — everyday Nigerians, members of the civil society and political actors across the country.

    “This is why the passage of the #ConstitutionReview amendments in 25 states across the country, is a pat on the back of legislators at both the Federal and State levels — because it shows that with the right vision and follow-through, we can achieve anything as a nation.

    “Make no mistake, this is another #PromiseKept by the 8th National Assembly, and it further demonstrates that despite our differences, politicians from various walks of life and various parties can still come together to get things done.

    “Moving forward, I cannot wait to receive the #ConstitutionReview documents at the National Assembly, so that we can move forward with the process of getting them assented and cemented in the laws of our great Federal Republic.

    “Now that both the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives have set up a joint committee to review the amendments that did not scale through initially, we are encouraged with the level of collaboration that we have already seen from the State Assemblies throughout this process.

    “I am very encouraged for the next phase of this process.

    “Well done to members of our State Houses of Assembly.”

  • Saraki and order of 2019 elections

    Saraki and order of 2019 elections

    NOT too long from now, the National Assembly (NASS) will transmit the harmonised version of the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill to the president for his assent. The bill altered the order of elections from two-tier in 2015, beginning with the presidential/NASS elections and ending with governorship and state elections, to three-tier, starting with National Assembly and on to governorship and state assemblies, and then finally to presidential in 2019. The change is believed in some quarters to be targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari whose re-election, should that improbably take place, might inflict terrible electoral losses on those who will be standing for elections in 2019 but who are not in his good books. It is not clear whether the president believes that ominous and overdramatised scenario.

    Despite the brouhaha triggered by the successful passage of the bill in the national legislature, the lawmakers fully expect that the president would assent to the bill. If he does not, they plan nevertheless to override his veto and make the new order of elections a part of the Electoral Act. No one knows whether the president has enough foot soldiers to raise a credible and impactful opposition to the bill, whether before or after he has vetoed it, but it seems certain that the whole issue will pass as nothing but a storm in a teacup. The president might, however, surprise everyone by assenting to the bill, especially if he and his men judge that opposing the bill would be a fruitless exercise. For, despite his legendary stubbornness, there is nothing to suggest that the president would not shirk a fight if he sensed blood.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to implement the law once it is passed, though they argue that the order of elections has not changed since 1999. They of course have no choice but to embrace the law, whether it is passed by the president’s simple assent or by a veto override. The law is, after all, the law, even if it galls the presidency, INEC and a substantial segment of the electorate. But INEC is wrong to suggest that the elections had always been conducted on a two-tier basis since 1999. As recent as the 2011 general elections, the polls were conducted on three tiers, starting with parliamentary poll (April 9, 2011), to presidential (April 16), and finally governorship and state assemblies (April 26).

    There is in fact nothing sacrosanct about the order of elections, as indeed many permutations have been tried since the return to democratic rule in 1979. In that year, the elections were held over four tiers, and in 2007 and 2015 over two tiers, with the order even reversed. At the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the order of elections was arranged along three tiers, starting from governorship and state assemblies, to National Assembly, and then on to presidential. In short, 2019 will not be the first time the presidential election will be conducted last in the order. In 1979, 1999 and 2007, the presidential poll came up last.

    The attempt by groups of politicians and idle civil society organisations to make a big issue out of the rearrangement of the order of elections is disingenuous and a sentimental attempt to polarise the country, blatantly ingratiate themselves with President Buhari, and further lather the country with bad faith. Their effort should not be countenanced by the electorate, even if the pro-status quo people have genuine reasons to fear the motives of the National Assembly headed by the imperious and sometimes intransigent Senate President Bukola Saraki and the quietly resolute Speaker Yakubu Dogara. It is indeed possible that top lawmakers and their legislative converts fear that the old order of elections could create a bandwagon effect that would unseat them. But even if this motive is proved, there is nothing to suggest that a new order of elections cannot backfire. Remember that as a consequence of the many defections that ravaged the former ruling PDP in 2014 and 2015, the Goodluck Jonathan government, either directly or indirectly, caused the order of elections to be changed from the one inherited from 2011 when elections began with parliamentary, moved on to presidential, and then ended with governorship and state assemblies. In the end, putting the presidential poll first in 2015, from which the Jonathan government hoped to gain some advantage and possibly bandwagon effect, simply led instead to dominoes falling.

    President Buhari will be wise to sign the bill and put that controversy behind him. He should resist the goody two-shoes in his government who are unbelievably attempting to politicise and interpret it as a ploy by the president’s enemies to undermine his re-election chances. Those parliamentary leaders, including the former governor of Nasarawa State, Abdulahi Adamu, a senator, who are championing the retention of the old order of elections are simply idle hands searching for relevance. The president has given the impression that his popularity is unaffected by his lopsided appointments, jaded policies, inconsistencies, and poor judgement in the case of the herdsmen killings. He should have confidence in his popularity and be ready to put it to the test. He has no business seeking for an advantage that is otherwise not existing in the old order of elections. And if indeed there is any advantage in the new order of elections for Dr Saraki and his cohorts, there is nothing to indicate that it cannot backfire when the electoral battle is finally joined at the ballots in 2019.

  • Saraki: Senate won’t be intimidated

    Saraki: Senate won’t be intimidated

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has warned that members of the Upper Chamber will not be cowed in their effort to uphold and defend the principles of democracy.

    He stated this on the floor of the Senate while reacting to a point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) on his alleged travails in the hand of the Federal Government.

    This is coming less than one week after Saraki in a Twit doubted the sincerity of the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government.

    He noted that the Senate will continue to defend democracy no matter the cost.

    Saraki, who particularly took a swipe at unnamed Federal Government functionaries, said there was no doubt that their actions were destroying the image of government, instead of helping to shore up its integrity.

    Melaye had drawn the attention of the Senate to what he described as witch-hunting by the Federal Government by suing him for alleged misinforming the police on his “attempted assassination”.

    Saraki said: “Senator Dino Melaye, your points are well noted and I do not see how the issue of arraignment can be a way forward in a matter like this. But be that as it may, I want us all to continue to defend democracy and fight for what is right and I can assure you that this institution will continue to stand for what is right.

    “Those who think that they are helping the government, but sometimes they are doing things that are not in the interest of this democracy. I think they need to do what is right for the interest of all of us. But for sure, what is wrong is wrong. I think those who are looking at this will have a review and do what is right.”

    Melaye, in his point of order, said he has elected to always draw attention to infringements of the law.

    He said he was prepared to pay the supreme sacrifice, if need be in the defence of democracy.

    The Kogi West senator insisted that if his trial was meant to stop him from speaking out, even criticising President Muhammadu Buhari if he did anything wrong, those behind his trial have failed.

    He vowed to use the last drop of his life to fight what he perceived attempts to silence him and stop him from speaking truth to power.

    Melaye said: “If this arraignment in Kogi State is to stop me from criticising the Federal Government, they have committed a capital compound mistake. I shall continue to speak. I shall continue to ask questions. I shall continue to criticise any public officer, including the president of Nigeria, where he has gone wrong.

    “I have conquered fear and I am not afraid of the prison. The last administration arrested me 14 times. The Abacha and Babangida’s governments detained me. I am not afraid of the prison. It is built because of human beings. But we will continue to speak the truth, not minding whose ox is gored.”

    Saraki did not allow debate of the issue Melaye raised because he came under order 43 – personal explanation.

  • Saraki, Wike, Okorocha, others in Rivers for Abe’s thanksgiving

    Saraki, Wike, Okorocha, others in Rivers for Abe’s thanksgiving

    • Amaechi misses out, opts for Ogoni rally

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were some of the prominent political figures that attended the special thanksgiving and reception for Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers southeast) yesterday in Port-Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

    But the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the South-South leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), was conspicuously missing.

    Though he was in the state, Amaechi chose to be at Bori-Ogoni for a rally by the Free Rivers Initiative where he blasted Governor Wike for destroying his legacies.

    His absence further fuelled insinuations he and Abe, who is gunning for the governorship under APC, have fallen out.

    Abe said he had no apologies for inviting Wike, saying Amaechi was also invited but opted to be in Bori-Ogoni.

    Wike made a surprise appearance at the event tagged the victory thanksgiving, which Abe held with six other lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The APC lawmakers were Barry Mpigi (Eleme/Tai/Oyigbi); Maurice Pronen (Khana/Gokana) and Chidi Wihioka( Emohua/Ikwerre) constituencies in the House of Representatives.

    Others were members representing Eleme, Khana 2 and Tai constituencies in the Rivers House of Assembly, Josiah Olu, Friday Nkeeh and Mathew Dike respectively.

    Some of the state and federal lawmakers of the APC loyal to Amaechi were not part of the thanksgiving and reception by Abe and his allies.

    But chairman of Rivers APC Chief Davies Ikanya flew in directly from the United States of America (USA) to attend the event.

    Others who attended include Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, who chaired the reception; Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan and former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Tonye Graham-Douglas.

    Speaking at the reception, Wike said: “It is important for all of us to know that it is only God that gives power.

    “When I wanted to be governor, APC members did a lot of things against me but I became governor.

    “So also, when Abe and others wanted to go to the National Assembly, I showed them pepper but they won. It means that was how God wanted it.”

    In an indirect reference to Amaechi, the governor said: “I almost missed my way. I was heading for Bori (Ogoni, where Amaechi and his allies were holding rally), before I was called back that the reception is here (Polo Club, Port Harcourt).

    “I do not know what is happening there (Bori). These are Rivers people. Magnus Abe, carry go. Abe, thank your God that upon all I did, you still won (rerun).”

    Okorocha described Abe as very humble, stating greater things would come his way in the future.

    Saraki stated he had great respect for Abe, calling for unity within the party in APC.

    He said: “Abe is a good, loyal, courageous and humble man. We will continue to support you. APC members in Rivers State should embrace peace and reconciliation.”

    Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Hajia Aisha, who was represented by the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Ekpere-Eta, described Abe as visionary, dynamic, a role model and a source of inspiration.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, noted that he was pleased with the massive turnout of Abe’s supporters, an indication that he truly represents his people.

     

  • CCT trial: Saraki closes case after calling witness

    CCT trial: Saraki closes case after calling witness

    THE trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki resumed at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday with his lawyers calling a witness.

    He equally closed his case after the witness, Dr. Ademola Adebo,  concluded his evidence.

    The witness, an ex-commissioner with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), told the court that he was familiar with assets’ declaration process.

    He said at a time, he was engaged by CCB to simplify the CCB Assets Declaration Form and also created a portal so that public officers will not have to visit CCB to declare asset.

    The witness identified some asset declaration forms filed by Saraki at the commencement and conclusion of his tenure as Kwara State Governor in 2007 and 2011, when he became a senator.

    The witness, led in evidence by Paul Usoro (SAN), read from the forms where Saraki declared that he acquired Nos: 17A and 17B Macdonald, Ikoyi through sale of rice and sugar commodities.

    In another form, the witness read where Saraki also said he bought the same houses through bank loan from GTB.

    At the conclusion of his evidence-in-chief, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was about to begin cross-examining the witness when the tribunal’s chairman, Danladi Umar, announced a brief suspension of proceedings. He said the trial will resume in 30 minutes.

    When proceedings resumed later, Adebo, under cross-examination, said he was a lecturer in the Ondo State University before his appointment as a member of the CCB in 2010.

    He said he had lectured in two universities in the United States (U.S.) as Assistant Professor of Political Science before returning to Nigeria.

    When asked to confirm if he was still a member of the CCB, the witness said the issue, relating to the dissolution of the board to which he belonged, was a subject of litigation in court.

    When given copies of the asset declaration forms completed by Saraki and was asked to identify his signature or name, the witness said he did not sign any of Saraki’s forms.

    The witness said he could not recall any other ex-governor that was charged before the tribunal beside a former Lagos State governor.

    When asked if the CCB was only interested in prosecuting cases involving the poor public officers, Adebo said the CCB was not expected to always prosecute public servants but to also protect them.

    He blamed the CCB’s inability to function effectively on the lack of structure, a development, he said, informed why there was effort, while he was a member, to restructure it for efficiency.

    When Jacobs indicated that he was through with the witness, Usoro’s attempted to ask the witness further questions.

    The CCT Chairman rejected the attempt, upon an objection by Jacobs on the grounds that the questions do not relate to issue that emanated during cross-examination.

    At that point, the CCT Chairman asked parties to agree on the next date. But, while Usoro, Jacobs and the tribunal’s Registrar were trying to agree on a date, Saraki, who sat in the dock, signalled to the leader of his legal team, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who promptly approached him.

    Saraki conferred briefly with Kanu, shortly after which the lawyer informed the tribunal that the defence has made up its mind to close its case.

    The announcement came as a surprise to all, because the defence had, at the commencement of proceedings, indicated its intention to call four witnesses. Agabi was, however, silent on why the defence changed its mind.

    The CCT Chairman later adjourned to February 27 for the adoption of parties’ final written address.

  • Update: Saraki calls 1st witness as assets declaration trial resumes

    Update: Saraki calls 1st witness as assets declaration trial resumes

    The false assets declaration trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, resumed at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Tuesday with the invitation of the first defence witness.

    The witness, Dr. Ademola Adebo, an ex-commissioner with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), told the court that he was familiar with assets declaration process.

    Adebo said at a time he was engaged by CCB to simplify the CCB Assets Declaration Form and also created a portal so that public officers would not have to visit CCB to declare assets.

    He identified some assets declaration forms filled by Saraki at the commencement and conclusion of his tenure as Governor in Kwara State in 2007 and 2011.

    The witness, led in evidence by Paul Usoro (SAN), read from the form where Saraki declared that he acquired Nos: 17A and 17B Macdonald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through sales of rice and sugar commodities.

    In another form, the witness read where Saraki also said he bought the same houses through bank loan from the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB).

    At the conclusion of his evidence-in-chief, the prosecution led by Rotimi Jacbos (SAN), was about to commence the cross-examining of the witness when tribunal’s Chairman, Danladi Umar, announced a brief suspension of proceedings.

    He said the trial would resume in 30 minutes.